Peer Academic Leaders (PALs)

What is a Peer Academic Leader?

Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) serve as mentors, teachers, and resources to students who take a First Year Seminar, or who opt to join a Freshman Interest Group (FIG). PALs assist first-time, first-year students by providing academic support and social opportunities while teaching students how to adjust to college life at UT Arlington. In addition to teaching either a one-hour Freshman Seminar (UNIV 1131 or COLA 1100) or a three-hour Freshman Seminar (FS-xxxx 1300), PALs advise students on matters such as academic policy and procedure, departmental programming, social opportunities, and refer students to the appropriate University official or office when necessary. Peer Academic Leaders are required to maintain official university course records, accomplish varied clerical tasks, and perform other related duties as required. Peer Academic Leaders are called upon occasionally to serve as unofficial ambassadors to UT Arlington by welcoming new students onto campus and promoting the Freshman Interest Group Program as well as other University student-centered opportunities as various marketing events. Depending on the assignment, Peer Academic Leaders may be required to live in Kalpana Chawla Hall (a monetary stipend will be offered to supplement associated costs). The Peer Academic Leader position is a part-time, paid position open to undergraduate students attending UT Arlington.

What are the benefits of becoming a Peer Academic Leader?

The benefits to becoming a Peer Academic Leader are limited only by your ambition, but if we have to get specific, check these perks out:

Part-time, on-campus job

Earn $9.25 an hour as a first-time PAL—Returning PALs earn more

Gain valuable leadership experience

Mentor new UT Arlington students

Add to your career experience on your professional resume

Get first-hand college teaching experience

Network with UT Arlington faculty and staff

KC Hall room and board stipend (for on-campus FIG PALs only)

Am I Qualified to be a Peer Academic Leader?

The minimum qualifications to be considered for hire as a Maverick Scholars Peer Academic Leader include:

At least one-year of college experience

Good academic and judicial standing at UT Arlington

2.5 cumulative grade point average

2.5 semester grade point average

Undergraduate student status

Enrollment in and successful completion of the PAL Training Course (UNIV 3335) in the spring semester before you start working (but after you are selected)

Previous leadership experience (preferred)

Previous enrollment in a Freshman Seminar or similar class (preferred)

How can I become a Peer Academic Leader?

We are not currently taking applications for Peer Academic Leaders. Please check back in September for updates to this information.

How can I become a Student Veteran Peer Academic Leader?

Applying for the position is easy. Simply complete a SNAP Jobs application through the University and a separate PALs application. Both applications must be completed in their entirety by the deadline. When you are on SNAP Jobs, look for job posting 7177.